April 24th Nightmare

This was the day in my planning that I was dreading.  Time frames were scheduled tightly and any delays or errors in my navigation could result in a very frustrating experience.

After a restless sleep, I woke up early, said my goodbyes and made my way to the Eastbourne train station.  I arrived early and I even  had time for a coffee.  The ride into London Victoria station was quick and everything was going perfectly.  I even received an email from one of my students which really brightened my day.

Upon arriving at the airport, I grabbed a bite to eat and waited for the boarding of the plane.   Again, smooth sailing.

The plane to Paris was quick.  My connecting flight was in 55 minutes from the time I land.   

Warning!  Warning! Warning!  This is where my nightmare begins.

The cabin crew was helpful and explained even before I disembarked the plane that my connecting flight was at terminal 2G.  The plane would land in 2E.  I was even given a little map and I felt confident that I could find my way in good time.  The only thing they couldn't tell me was the gate number.  'Ok, no problem', I thought.   After getting into the terminal the signs were pretty clear for terminal 2G.  Frustration sets in, because I had to wait in a line for customs.  It wasn't that long but considering my situation it began to irritate me. I followed along, rushing a little, and then the signs for that terminal was non-existent.  I quickly found a staff member who gave me directions.   I went up the escalator and down the hall to see the signs once again.  The shuttle bus was waiting outside!  Perfect!  I had time but every minute counted.  The bus waited for about 3 minutes which seemed like 30.

The bus arrived at the terminal I quickly jumped out and raced inside.  I looked on the display and it said, 'Florence - Gate closed'.  I walked up to the first available Air France agent and asked her to check.   She checked and told me to rush up the stairs, through the doors, down the hall and through security.  SECURITY AGAIN!  I'm sure I did a silent scream to myself!   AHhhhhhhhhh!  So, I went thru security.  Sure enough I beeped.  One of the guards had to pat me down and let me on my way.  The agent didn't give me the gate number but when I arrived at the top of the steps, after security it said Gate 21.  I ran and ran as fast as I could.  There wasn't anyone at the gate, so I asked another agent.  She said the plane left.  Whaaaaaaaat!   I thought I had time!!  She told me to go to the service desk at the top of the stairs and check for the next flight.  I was SO disappointed and frustrated.  I stood in line, waited for about 3 minutes and looked up at the departures disblay board.   I recalled my departing time was 3:55.  It was flashing 'Florence - Now Boarding'.  Oh my!  That was my plane!  Again, mad dash to Gate 34.  I felt my heart pounding out of control.  The agent confirmed I was on the right plane.  Ahh!! Relief.  I found my seat but was out if breath and sweaty.  Phew!!  I closed my eyes to regain my composure, took deep breathes and just reassured myself that I made it in perfect time.   

We were WAITING and WAITING, to the tune of 30 minutes.  'Oh no!! Not again!' I thought.  Anxiety started to kick in.  They had to assist someone on the plane an wait for additional passengers from connecting flights.   You mean they would have waited for me?

Finally after all that time, we took off.  The captain announced they he would keep us posted on our arrival time.  I was upset and almost sick to my stomach, probably from nerves.  I knew if I was so late, and I'd surely miss my train at 7:14, but I was hopeful and trying to think positively.  Then, he mentioned we were beginning the decent into Florence.  Odd? That seemed really really quick!   Sure enough, we actually landed on time. The plane emptied quickly and I caught a cab to the train station, where I picked up my luggage I dropped off a week earlier.  I really really couldn't believe it.  I actually had 45 minutes to wait.   

I boarded the train and started my journey to Naples.  

I arrived at my hotel without a hitch.   First impressions of Naples, hmm, not so good.  

I have had a roller coaster of a day.  

Time for bed. 

Q29

Which is further south, Rome or Naples?